Feedback from new mothers has earned Bedford Hospital official Baby Friendly accrediation by UNICEF.

The children’s charity bestowed its prestigious Level 3 Baby Friendly award on the hospital after an assessment showed 85 per cent of mothers were ‘very happy’ with the overall care given by the maternity unit.

The Baby Friendly initiative, set up by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, is a global programme to improve the care provided for all mothers and babies.

She said: “The overriding impression gained by the assessment team was that there is a culture of kindness in the maternity unit, with most mothers specifically mentioning this in their feedback.”

Director of Nursing Nina Fraser said: “Our maternity service is rated among the best in the country by our patients.

“This latest achievement means both hospital and community services are fully accredited, giving mothers and babies in the area access to high quality, seamless and consistent care and advice on infant feeding.”

The initiative works with public services to promote and support breastfeeding, and to strengthen mother-baby and family relationships.